Headlines - 27.11.2014

A coalition of mistrust (Koha)

The paper reports on the front page that Hashim Thaci, leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), and Isa Mustafa, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) have reached a coalition agreement but don’t trust one another. Mustafa reportedly had asked for guarantees from international officials that he would get the post of Prime Minister before agreeing to enter into a coalition with the PDK. But now Thaci is asking for guarantees from international officials and the LDK that he will have the necessary support to get the post of President of Kosovo when President Atifete Jahjaga’s mandate expires in 2016.

Possible leaders of parliamentary groups (Zeri)

In a front-page story, the paper reports that Kadri Veseli, former head of the Kosovo Intelligence Service (SHIK) and deputy leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), is expected to be nominated as Speaker of Parliament on 8 December. Arsim Bajrami (PDK), Sabri Hamiti (Democratic League of Kosovo – LDK), Glauk Konjufca (Vetevendosje), Duda Balje (Group 6+) and a representative of the Serbian List are expected to be elected as Deputy Speakers. The paper also reports that the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) has decided to nominate Donika Kada-Bujupi as the head of their parliamentary group. The Vetevendosje parliamentary group will be led by Visar Ymeri. The PDK and LDK meanwhile have yet to decide who will lead their respective parliamentary groups.

No restructuring of ministries (Tribuna)

Although the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), which are expected to form the new government, had promised during their campaigns to reduce the number of ministries, the paper claims that this is highly unlikely due to the many party officials expecting to be given senior posts. None of the parties wished to comment on the issue, saying they are still negotiating the division of ministerial posts.

Jahjaga: Stop violence against women (Zeri)

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on Wednesday, Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga urged everyone to respect the rights of women. Jahjaga stated that state institutions and society are obliged to take necessary measures aimed at preventing such violence. Jahjaga added that Kosovo needs to raise awareness among its people that domestic violence and violence against women is intolerable and unacceptable.

EULEX engaged in strengthening rule of law in north (Tribuna)

EULEX chief Gabriele Meucci, in a meeting with the head of the Serbian Government’s Office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric, assured him that EULEX is engaged in strengthening the rule of law in northern Kosovo. During his two-day visit to Serbia, Meucci will also meet Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, Justice Minister Nikola Selakovic, and Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic.

Daviet visits Pristina University a day before veterans protest (Koha)

The French Ambassador to Kosovo, Maryse Daviet, visited the University of Pristina on Wednesday, one day before today’s scheduled protest at 12:00 p.m. by Kosovo Liberation Army war veterans. The veterans’ associations are asking the University to automatically admit around 1,000 children of veterans whose names are included on a list they have prepared. A press release issued by the Office of the University Rector noted that Ambassador Daviet supported the University’s efforts to increase the quality of education so that Kosovo can meet European higher education standards. Anonymous University officials told the paper that other international officials have supported the Rector’s position to turn down the veterans’ associations’ request. Other sources said Prime Minister Hashim Thaci recently criticized Education Minister Rame Buja for ordering the University to automatically admit the aforementioned students.